Hodgson's initial observations were based on concern about humidity levels which can reach over 80 per cent during the Brazilian winter with English players having little or no experience of playing in such conditions.

However, the former West Brom and Liverpool manager's assertion prompted the mayor of the Amazonian city, Arthur Virgilio, to state he did not want England to come.

Somewhat inevitably England were drawn to play Italy in Manaus on June 14 in their opening game and will now find themselves in the middle of the Amazon rainforest.

A pamphlet from the tourist board advises of the possibility of coming face to face with alligators at night while poisonous snakes, spiders and exotic birds are also common in the jungle.

Hodgson, while admitting it was still not an ideal place in which to play, is positive about taking his team there.

He told BBC Sport: "I think most teams were rather hoping they were drawn in places where the climate is more favourable.

"But on the other hand, I understand the Brazilians want to spread this World Cup around the country and Manaus is a very important town and city in Brazil.

"Having thought about it, and seen how the group has panned out, I'm really embracing the idea of going there."

Four games will be played in the city's specially constructed Arena da Amazonia stadium during the tournament.

Hodgson added: "It's in the middle of the Amazonian jungle and the temperatures and humidity are much, much greater than any other place in the country.

"I'm not even certain that Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia would have been jumping for joy if they were drawn there as it's a difficult place to play. I've never known Brazil, for example, to play any of their home matches in Manaus."